National Ornamental Metal Museum, Memphis
A very interesting and unique stop along your journey through Memphis, Tennessee should be The National Ornamental Metal Museum. It is the only one of its kind in the US dedicated to ornamental metalwork and a must see attraction you will always remember.
The National Ornamental Metal Museum, the first and only of its kind in the country, exhibits and showcases the artistry of metalworkers from around the world. It's located in an old, historic hospital overlooking the Mississippi River, this museum provides many galleries on two creaking hardwood floors.
Historic and beautiful objects are displayed along with metalworking demonstrations for you to see, you can watch a blacksmith at work forging works of art. The museums displays include jewel-encrusted knives, intricate silver and gold jewelry and decorative teapots, other housewares and swords and many other displays, the artwork is of the finest you will ever find.
The Anniversary Gates are incredible and many people spend long periods of time examinating the 16 foot high assembly of rosettes contributed from metal smiths all around the world. Also on the grounds of the museum is an outdoor sculpture garden and some picnic areas to enjoy.
The Riverbluff Pavilion, overlooking the Mississippi, is made from castings of a 1890's building that stood on infamous Beale Street.
The museum also has a library with over two thousand volumes, ten thousand slides, and manufacturers' catalogues, periodicals on metalworking, videotapes and drawings. The museum's collections now number some three thousand objects for you to see and learn from.
